At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier management and build strong relationships to deliver vital public services.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, the UK's largest government department making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Influence strategy and governance while working on high-impact digital contracts.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, financial management, and building strategic relationships.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and a diverse workplace.
The predicted salary is between 57946 - 81125 £ per year.
Pay of £57,946, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
DWP Digital with Purpose. As a Lead Supplier Manager at DWP Digital, you will be instrumental in building and managing effective supplier relationships. You manage procurement and financial processes that ensure we have the right tools, services and supply to deliver for our colleagues and users.
DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people. This role is about working with senior stakeholders to ensure contracts deliver value for money and support vital public services. The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We would love you to join us.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Commercially minded with demonstrable experience in planning, governance and financial performance management and compliance using digital tools, financial modelling, and scenario analysis for strategic decisions in complex environments.
- Significant demonstrable experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of robust supplier management strategies, project governance, and planning, leading to effective delivery and quantifiable improvements in supplier performance.
- Influential with extensive evidence in developing strong strategic relationships/networks within teams and across the wider organisation and the confidence and professional credibility to influence Director level colleagues.
- Extensive experience and proven track record in leading a team on procurement activities for major complex initiatives ensuring business needs are met and Digital sustainability requirements are incorporated.
- Proven ability and experience of delivering at pace, managing and prioritising tasks in a fast-paced agile working environment.
You and your role
This is a strategic Lead Supplier Manager role. You will be heading a newly formed team who are central to delivering government priorities on Digital Fraud and Error. You will set direction, empower colleagues, and ensure delivery of high-quality outcomes across a range of digital contracts. You will manage major and complex contracts, including those exceeding £10m, from requirements gathering through the ITT process to contract placement. This involves maintaining robust cost models, managing budgets and forecasts, and ensuring contracts deliver value for money while meeting social and environmental objectives. You will also take ownership of supplier management tools and systems, driving improvements where needed.
Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal partners—such as Commercial, Finance, Policy, and delivery teams—will be key to resolving issues quickly and ensuring smooth delivery. You will uphold governance standards, manage risks, and link team actions to successful project outcomes. This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to influence strategy, strengthen governance, and deliver outcomes aligned with Government priorities.
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model – you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer competitive pay of £57,946.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
- Sports and social activities
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards
Process: We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Lead Supplier Manager in Birmingham employer: DWP Digital
Contact Detail:
DWP Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Supplier Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DWP Digital on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections that can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching DWP Digital's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of delivering value for public services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for the Lead Supplier Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Supplier Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Lead Supplier Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships or led procurement activities. We love seeing quantifiable improvements and real impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and gets straight to the heart of what you want to convey.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Supplier Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial modelling and scenario analysis in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've developed and implemented supplier management strategies. Highlight quantifiable improvements in supplier performance and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders. A compelling narrative will showcase your experience and fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role is all about building strong relationships. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with internal teams or suppliers. Be prepared to discuss how you resolved conflicts or improved communication to ensure smooth delivery of projects.
✨Understand DWP's Mission
Familiarise yourself with DWP's goals and how they align with the role. Be ready to articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission of delivering value for money while meeting social and environmental objectives. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart.